Updated November 25, 2024 at 10:38 p.m.
Tuesday promises to be rather eventful for the greater Montreal region, which will find itself in the heart of a first weather cocktail this season. But what type of threats exactly should greater Montreal expect? Forecast.
A first weather cocktail worthy of the name
This weather cocktail that awaits southern Quebec on Tuesday will be special, because its effects will be different even within the greater Montreal region. Initially, the program would have a common element for all sectors: freezing rain which would begin around 7 a.m. or 8 a.m.
However, due to temperatures slightly below zero and approaching freezing point at the end of the morning, rain could quickly take over for the southern crown. For Montreal, it is in the morning that the mercury will rise above the freezing point and we will therefore switch to rain “mode” rather than ice. On the other hand, on the northern rim, we will stay below the freezing point for longer, which means that freezing rain, as well as sleet and snow will share the spotlight. Note that for all these sectors, temperatures will be very close to the freezing point. The forecast freezing rain could therefore be rain in one neighborhood while a few kilometers away, there would be a little ice on the road.
Carpooling with ice
Therefore, travel will be more difficult in the morning, especially in the northern suburbs of Montreal. Rush hour could be more difficult there, because some road users do not yet have their winter tires on their vehicles. The situation could persist for several hours, until early afternoon.
Since there is no snow on the ground yet in the south of the province, there will not be a “cushion” to absorb this ice. This is what will make the situation more dangerous on several types of surfaces. For example, while the roads in the northern suburbs will be potentially slippery and icy, pedestrians in areas of Montreal who could experience this episode of freezing rain should pay particular attention to sidewalks and stairs. Some roads, especially secondary roads, may also become slippery.
Snow broom, scraper or umbrella?
By Tuesday evening, a few snowflakes should be added to this festival of precipitation, once again on the northern fringe of Montreal. Lachute could receive 5 cm of snow, while we are talking more about 2 to 4 cm for Blainville and 1 to 2 cm for Laval.
Ultimately, it is the umbrella that should be more useful than the snow broom and the scraper, for areas further south of Montreal. By Tuesday evening, 10 to 15 mm of rain are expected in the Montérégie region.
